15. I have the same hope in God that these Jews have—the hope that all people, good and bad, will be raised from death.
16. This is why I always try to do what I believe is right before God and before everyone.
17-18. “I was away from Jerusalem for many years. I went back there to take money to help my people. I also had some gifts to offer at the Temple. I was doing this when some Jews saw me there. I had finished the cleansing ceremony. I had not made any trouble, and no one was gathering around me.
19. But some Jews from Asia were there. They should be here, standing before you. If I have really done anything wrong, they are the ones who should accuse me. They were there!
20. Ask these men here if they found any wrong in me when I stood before the high council meeting in Jerusalem.
21. I did say one thing when I stood before them and shouted, ‘You are judging me today because I believe that people will rise from death!’”
22. Felix already understood a lot about the Way. He stopped the trial and said, “When commander Lysias comes here, I will decide what to do with you.”
23. Felix told the army officer to keep Paul guarded but to give him some freedom and to let his friends bring whatever he needed.
24. After a few days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jew. Felix asked for Paul to be brought to him. He listened to Paul talk about believing in Christ Jesus.
25. But Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about things like doing right, self-control, and the judgment that will come in the future. He said, “Go away now. When I have more time, I will call for you.”